BAFIM Conquers Argentine Music Devotees

With over 100,000 visitors, a four-day agenda of specialized talks and 60 live shows which included Fito Páez, local hip-hop star Dante and a DJ set by Soda Stereo’s Zeta Bosio, Buenos Aires' International Music Fair (BAFIM) closed its most consistent edition Sept. 7.

BAFIM, now in its third consecutive year, is put together by the government of Buenos Aires and Argentina's Ministry of Development. It is designed in the style of the most renowned international events, like MIDEM or WOMEX, and is mostly considered a networking platform for industry members.

This time around BAFIM also offered the general public a global experience with music and its protagonists. The outcome was an attractive mixture of exhibits, clinics and educational activities that caught the attention of many.

As a plus, this year’s line-up of live performances embraced various international figures (such as Brazil’s Lucy & The Popsonics, electro/acoustic singer Gepe from Chile, Colombian rock band Los Telebolitos and multi-instrumentalist trio Hadouk, from France). The performances also combined a broad genre selection, including legendary bandoneonist Rodolfo Mederos and Argentine folk singer Soledad.

Recurring topics included new musical tendencies, the reach of the digital era and the increasing importance of independent music companies as a driving force in the local industry.